With origins dating back to 1638, Saint Julien's expansive Leoville estate was the largest vineyard in all the Medoc at the time of the French Revolution. After various successions and changes, the estate was eventually divided into the three Leoville properties we know today: Leoville-Las-Cases, Leoville-Barton, and Leoville-Poyferre, established in 1840. The outstanding quality of Leoville Poyferre wines gained early recognition when it was ranked second growth in the 1855 Classification.
The various divisions throughout the history of the estate have split the vineyards of Leoville-Poyferre into five large areas. They include all the main types of gravely, well-drained soils present in Saint Julien and a balanced environment for the vines. This diversity contributes to the wines magnitude and complexity.
Chateau Leoville-Poyferre was most recently acquired in 1920 by the Cuvelier family. Didier Cuvelier has presided over the destiny of this gem since 1979. Chateau Moulin-Riche (from a specific terroir) and Pavillon de Leoville-Poyferre (from younger plots of vines) are also produced at the estate.